Stay safe with preparation and outdoor locales
BELLEVUE, Wash. (September 1, 2020) – With a Labor Day weekend forecast full of sunshine, warm temperatures and dry skies, AAA Washington has some final-days-of-summer road trip ideas. AAA has seen near normal requests for emergency road service, so we know that Washingtonians are getting out and about to battle the doldrums of COVID-19 self/family-isolation. A bit of preparation and carefully chosen locations can help ensure a physically distanced and fun adventure.
Before hitting the road, AAA recommends making sure your vehicle can handle the trip. In addition to performing needed maintenance, ask a reputable auto repair shop or mechanic to inspect major components like tires, batteries, hoses, valves and fluid levels.
AAA Washington’s most recent data reveals many drivers may be skipping this step, as Emergency Roadside Service calls nearly reach normal, pre-COVID-19 levels for July and August.
Our top five rescue requests are:
- Tows (51%)
- Battery Service (24%)
- Lockouts (13%)
- Tires (9%)
- Locksmith (2%)
Last Minute Destinations
Because this year is like no other, be sure to pack the car with a cooler full of snacks, food and beverages so you can stop anywhere for a needed snack or meal. You may need to use public restrooms if you’re on a long road trip, so be sure pack hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and face masks for all family members.
When choosing a last-minute road trip destination, AAA suggests exploring some of Washington and Idaho’s outdoor wonders, both natural and manmade. Plenty of time remains to head to some of the Pacific Northwest’s best waterfalls or visit an outdoor art display. In addition to soaking up rays that could soon disappear, the CDC says sticking to outside activities lowers the risk of contracting COVID-19, due to the increased ventilation and opportunities to maintain social distancing.
Waterfall Wonders:
- Sol Duc Falls & Marymere Falls – Olympic Peninsula
- Snoqualmie Falls, Franklin Falls & Myrtle Falls – Cascade Mountains
- Palouse Falls, Ancient Lakes & Dry Falls – Eastern Washington
- Post Falls & Kootenai Falls – North Idaho
- More…
Photo Worthy Outdoor Art Displays:
- Webster’s Woods Sculpture Park – Port Angeles
- San Juan Islands Sculpture Park – Roche Harbor
- Big Rock Garden Park – Bellingham
- Art on the Avenues – Wenatchee
- Mural Trail Walking Tour – Vancouver
- Spokane’s Sculpture Walk
- More…
Don’t have a car? Drive GIG Car Share in Seattle
Don’t have a car, or finding out your car is not road trip-ready no longer signals the end of travel plans. AAA’s GIG Car Share service can get you there. GIG’s car share model gives Seattle residents the flexibility to pick up and drop off in different locations, making it easy to find a nearby car, get in and go, without an application or sign up fee. Download the GIG app for access to the 250 cars, all equipped with bike racks and Discover Passes. Gas, insurance parking in the recently expanded HomeZone, roadside assistance and 24/7 support are built into Gig’s all-inclusive pricing. Become a GIG member today using the promo code SUMMER08 for your first free hour of driving. AAA members who join GIG save an additional 10% on every trip.
